Smart@Surface

Introduction

The surface, forming the boundary between a solid state object and its
environment, not only protects against harsh ambient conditions and gives the object its specific appearance and texture, but also forms the object’s gateway to the world. Since nowadays objects
are becoming increasingly smart, materializing the vision of ubiquitous computing by dismantling the boundary between everyday objects and computers, the object’s surface has an important role to
play by forming an interactive interface to the outer world. However, most objects’ surfaces are far from supporting this vision as they are formed by materials that are rather passive than
active and not at all interactive. To date (inter)active functionality is brought to object surfaces only by complicate multistage assembling steps of discrete electronic, sensory and optic
components.

In this context Smart@Surface is creating a major innovation leap by giving function directly to the surface. Smart@Surface aims to develop object surfaces that are
active and even interactive, surfaces that detect and react on external stimuli such as touch, pressure, strain and proximity. Smart@Surface supplies objects with a sensitive skin for recording
human motion and vital parameters. This smart skin, made of diverse materials such as leather, stone, wood or foil, forms a seamless and neat surface of elegant appearance thus supporting
intuitive interaction with humans with visual and haptic feedback.

This project was made possible by the support of the following institutions: